School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Mathematics (BS)

Mathematics is both a profession and an indispensable tool for many types of work. As a tool, mathematics is a universal language that has been crucial in formulating and expressing ideas not only in science and engineering, but also in many other areas such as business and the social sciences. As probably the oldest and most basic science, it provides the key to understanding the major technological achievements of our time.

Of equal importance, knowledge of mathematics may help provide a student with the type of uncompromising and clear-sighted thinking useful in considering the problems of many other disciplines. The Mathematics degree program encompasses mathematics, statistics, and applied mathematics. The Mathematical Sciences Department also administers a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science.

Those interested in obtaining both a BS in Mathematics and Teacher Certification in the state of Texas should consult the Teacher Development Center or UTeach Dallas office for specific requirements as soon as possible after formal admission to the University. See the Teacher Education Certification Programs section of the catalog for additional information.

The Mathematics degree program also prepares students for graduate studies. An accelerated BS/MS Fast Track program is available which provides the opportunity for undergraduate students to satisfy some of the requirements of the master's degree while they are completing the bachelor's degree in Mathematics.

The Program in Mathematics

Students seeking a degree in Mathematics may specialize in Mathematics, Statistics, or Applied Mathematics, and receive a BS degree. Each specialization allows some flexibility in electives so that students can better adapt their degree plans to their educational goals.

Mathematics Specialization: For students interested in a career in mathematics and for students interested in continuing on to graduate work in mathematics, applied mathematics, math education, and related areas.

Statistics Specialization: For students interested in probability and statistical models and their use in data analysis and decision-making and for students interested in continuing on to graduate work in statistics, biostatistics, actuarial science, and other statistics related areas.

Applied Mathematics Specialization: For students interested in mathematics for the purpose of using it broadly in various areas of application and for students interested in continuing on to graduate work in applied mathematics and related areas.

All students are required to take at least six semester credit hours of electives outside their major field of study. These must be either upper-division classes or lower-division classes that have prerequisites.

Both lower- and upper-division courses may count as electives, but the student must complete at least 51 semester credit hours of upper-division courses to qualify for graduation.

NOTE: Students transferring into Mathematics at the upper-division level are expected to have completed all of the 1000- and 2000- level mathematics core course requirements.

UTeach Option

The UTeach option may be added to the BS degree in Mathematics. UTeach Dallas Option degree plans are streamlined to allow students to complete both a rigorous Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree and all coursework for middle or high school teacher certification in four years. Teaching Option degrees require deep content knowledge combined with courses grounded in the latest research on math and science education. While most graduates go on to classroom teaching, UTeach alums are also prepared to enter graduate school and to work in discipline related industry.

Fast Track Baccalaureate/Master's Degrees

For students interested in pursuing graduate studies in Mathematics, the Mathematics Department offers an accelerated BS / MS Fast Track that involves taking graduate courses instead of several advanced undergraduate courses. Acceptance into the Fast Track is based on the student's attaining a GPA (grade point average) of at least 3.200 in all mathematics classes and being within 30 semester credit hours of graduation. Fast Track students may, during their senior year, take 15 graduate semester credit hours that may be used to complete the baccalaureate degree. After Fast Track admission to the graduate program, these 15 graduate semester credit hours may also satisfy requirements for the master's degree. Fast Track programs are offered in mathematics with specializations in applied mathematics and statistics.

1. Incoming freshmen must enroll and complete requirements of UNIV 1010 and the corresponding school-related freshman seminar course. Students, including transfer students, who complete their core curriculum at UT Dallas must take UNIV 2020.

2. Curriculum Requirements can be fulfilled by other approved courses from institutions of higher education. The courses listed are recommended as the most efficient way to satisfy both Core Curriculum and Major Requirements at UT Dallas.

3. A required Major course that also fulfills Core Curriculum requirements. If semester credit hours are counted in the Core Curriculum, students must complete additional coursework to meet the minimum requirement for graduation. Course selection assistance is available from the undergraduate advisor.

4. Three semester credit hours of Calculus are counted to fulfill the Mathematics Core Requirement with the remaining five semester credit hours to be counted under Component Area Option Core.

5. Six semester credit hours of Physics are counted under Science core, and one semester credit hour of Physics (PHYS 2125) is counted under Component Area Core.

6. Indicates a prerequisite class to be completed before enrolling in upper-division classes.